The precise cause of the problem is not known - although the way iOS stores date and time formats means that 1 January 1970 is stored as a value of 0 or less, causing every other process that requires the time stamp to fail.

Users curious about the bug have reportedly ‘bricked’ their devices trying to disprove the reports, ending up having to have them replaced by Apple.

Trending

Woman tied up and stabbed 17 times by best friend 'forced to move' after threats - Leeds Crown Court

Woman jailed for life for tying friend to bed and stabbing her repeatedly

Woman jailed for life for tying friend to bed and stabbing her repeatedly